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For the purposes of this project, we base measurements on the large, 70-ounce acrylic serving bowl we used. However, you should adjust the measurements accordingly based on the bowl or vessel you choose.

Materials + Tools

70-oz. (large) acrylic serving bowl

4 bottles of acrylic paint (varying shades of one color)

play sand (enough to fill bowl up to 2 inches from top rim)

vase filler

succulent variety

mixing bowl

spoon

cookie sheet

parchment paper

Ombre the Sand

Did you know that you can change the color of sand in just a few minutes? We use four different shades of acrylic paint to create layers of ombre sand in the bowl. But first, add approximately 4 cups of play sand to the mixing bowl, then squeeze in 2 ounces (3 to 4 dollops) of your first paint color (Image A). Stir with a spoon until the sand is fully coated (Image B).

Tomas Espinoza Photography

Image A

Tomas Espinoza Photography

Image B

Image A

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza Photography

Image B

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza Photography

Let Dry

Repeat x3

Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other three colors. If you don't have three additional cookie sheets, then simply spread the sand on parchment paper on your work area. (Note: Four cups for each color of sand equals 16 cups to fill our serving bowl two inches from the rim. You'll want to adjust your sand measurement for your particular bowl.)

Layer Sand

Once dry, use the parchment paper to pour the darkest color of sand into the bowl first, followed by the second darkest and so on (Image A). Continue pouring until the sand reaches approximately two inches from the rim of the bowl and creates an ombre effect (Image B).

Tomas Espinoza Photography

Image A

Tomas Espinoza Photography

Image B

Image A

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza Photography

Image B

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza Photography

"Plant" Succulents

Now, you're ready to plant. Arrange your faux succulent variety to your liking. We even added a gold flamingo to the middle for some extra flair. (It's actually a bottle opener!)

Tomas Espinoza Photography

Tomas Espinoza Photography

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza Photography

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza Photography

Add Stones

For the finishing touch, place vase filler around the edges. We used coral and white glass stones that are totally on-trend and hold the sand in place.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza Photography

Tomas Espinoza Photography

Love Forever

Display in an eye-catching spot, like your entry, to create a welcoming splash of color for the season.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza Photography

Tomas Espinoza Photography

Tomas Espinoza Photography

Tomas Espinoza Photography

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza Photography

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza Photography

Want to Use Real Succulents?

Simply well-out the center of the sand or add an interior bowl filled with succulent planting mix. Fill the space between the two bowls with sand. Plant the interior bowl with the succulents and top with pebbles to hide the dirt.